Cleanshot X vs Gyazo
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Cleanshot X is a powerful screen capture and recording utility designed specifically for macOS. It offers a range of features that make it easy to capture, annotate, and share your screen with others. Whether you're a developer, designer, or simply someone who needs to share information with others, Cleanshot X is the perfect tool for the job.
Gyazo captures screenshots and short screen recordings and instantly uploads them to the cloud, generating a shareable link within seconds. It includes OCR-based search, tagging, and collections to help users find old captures quickly, plus apps and browser extensions across desktop, mobile, and web.
- Easy to use and intuitive interface
- Powerful annotation tools
- Cloud sharing makes it easy to collaborate with others
- Exclusive to macOS, taking advantage of native features
- Extremely fast capture-to-shareable-link workflow
- OCR search makes old screenshots genuinely findable later
- Available across nearly every platform: desktop, mobile, and browser
- Large established user base (23 million+ users) suggests reliability
- Limited to macOS, not available on other platforms
- No free version, only a paid option
- Limited customization options for annotation tools
- Free tier lacks OCR search and longer video capture
- Captures are cloud-hosted by default, a consideration for sensitive content
- Teams plan requires a 5-user minimum even for very small teams
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Cleanshot X
View all →Alternatives to Gyazo
View all →Instant, install-free screen sharing for sales demos, support calls, and online training.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataCleanshot X offers macOS‑only, one‑time‑purchase screen capture with strong annotation tools, while Gyazo provides cross‑platform, freemium capture with instant sharing and OCR search.
Key differences
- •Platform support: Cleanshot X is macOS‑only; Gyazo runs on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and browsers.
- •Pricing model: Cleanshot X requires a paid one‑time license; Gyazo offers a free tier with optional paid upgrades.
- •Annotation vs. search: Cleanshot X focuses on rich annotation features; Gyazo adds OCR‑based image search and tagging.
- •Video length: Cleanshot X records with audio but no limit stated; Gyazo caps free video at short clips, up to 10 min on Pro.
- •Sharing controls: Gyazo lets you set per‑capture permissions; Cleanshot X provides simple link sharing only.
Pricing & value
Gyazo offers a free tier; Cleanshot X requires a paid one‑time purchase.
Ease of use / learning curve
Gyazo’s hotkey capture to instant link is described as extremely fast; Cleanshot X is easy but less instantaneous.
Features & depth
Cleanshot X excels at annotation and scrolling capture; Gyazo adds OCR search, tagging, and longer video on Pro.
Integrations & ecosystem
Gyazo provides desktop, mobile, and browser extensions; Cleanshot X is limited to macOS desktop.
Collaboration
Gyazo allows per‑capture permission settings and organized collections; Cleanshot X only shares via a cloud link.
Support
Gyazo lists a Help Center; Cleanshot X provides no support information.
Security & privacy
Neither product’s security or privacy details are specified in the provided facts.
Choose Cleanshot X if…
macOS‑only professionals needing robust annotation and scrolling capture, preferring a one‑time purchase.
Choose Gyazo if…
teams or individuals on any OS who want instant shareable links, OCR search, and a free‑tier option.
Common questions
Can I try either tool for free before buying?
Gyazo offers a freemium tier; Cleanshot X has no free version, only a paid one‑time license.
Which tool works on Windows or mobile devices?
Gyazo provides apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and browser extensions; Cleanshot X is macOS‑only.
Do either of the tools support searching past screenshots?
Gyazo includes OCR‑based search in its paid tier; Cleanshot X does not mention any search capability.
